Ocean Beach MainStreet Association is urging community residents to shop small and patronize local businesses while observing Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24.
“This is our annual event and it’s been really successful in years past,” said Nicole Ueno, programs director for OBMA. “It’s held to support and promote our local businesses.”
Ueno said 2018 is a milestone year.
“We’re celebrating our 100th year of neighborhood shopping here in OB,” she said. “We’re going to be celebrating it with a very Ocean Beach-themed day with a lot of art and music celebrating our artistic culture here in OB.”
Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday. Part of a national campaign sponsored by American Express, the event takes place every year the Saturday following Thanksgiving. 
The special day was first observed in the United States on Nov. 27, 2010. It is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big-box retail and e-commerce stores, respectively. 
By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses that are small and local.
According to the federal Small Business Administration, small businesses, so-called “mom and pops” defined in the United States as having fewer than 25 full-time employees with annual wages below $50,000, employ more than half of the country’s working class. Activities in OB for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Greetings from Ocean Beach Giant Postcard (Veterans Plaza lawn, Newport Avenue and Abbott Street): Take a holiday photo that’s larger than life with a giant postcard from Ocean Beach muralist Celeste Byers on the Veteran’s Park lawn. A professional photographer will be taking free portraits throughout the day. Don’t forget to stop by the Small Business Saturday booth on the lawn and pick up a goodie bag and your “Passport to OB” card for a chance to win great prizes from local businesses.
– Clean Oceans Art Installation (OB Surf Lodge Patio, Abbott Street and Santa Monica Avenue): Get a first look at a new public art concept coming to San Diego. Local artist Miki Iwasaki has been commissioned by the Port of San Diego to create a series of unique sculptures that are sure to become an iconic part of the San Diego landscape.
Today’s piece is an exploration of spatial experiences that intends to provoke wonder and contemplation of our personal connection to the world and to the ocean, and to honor the surf culture of our community. Be sure to stop by and learn about the sustainable process behind creating functional and beautiful public art pieces.
– Art-O-Mobile Collective Art Piece (OB Tire and Auto Repair, Newport Avenue and Cable Street):
Come create a collective art piece with the Art-o-Mobile, a classic 1967 Checker Cab that is also a mobile chalkboard. Watch a local chalk artist work their magic, or jump in and create your own masterpiece.
– Mural Scavenger Hunt (throughout the community): Ocean Beach is known for its public artwork and colorful murals. Participate in a mural scavenger hunt and see how many you can find … You may even happen across a new mural in the works. Check ShopLocalOB.com for a map and more information. Share your finds on social media with #OBMurals.
– Musicians (throughout the community): Stop by Tiki Port (2201 Cable St.), Noodle House 1502 (4993 Niagara Ave.) and Jungle Java (5047 Newport Ave.) to hear musicians performing music from around the globe.
– Magic show at Lighthouse Ice Cream (5059 Newport Ave): Stop by Lighthouse Ice Cream between 11a.m. and 1 p.m., grab an ice cream, and prepare to be amazed, with fun for kids of all ages.
– Inspirational chalk art and live music at The Coffee Method (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) – 4993 Niagara Ave. 
– Tiny canvas painting at OB Business Center: (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) – 4876 Santa Monica Ave.
– Discounts, face painting and the Typewriter Troubadour at Run for Cover Bookstore (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) – 4912 Voltaire St.
– Surprise pop-ups at Saltwater Supply & Current Collective (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) – 5032 Niagara Ave. 
– Underwater photography exhibit and special discounts at Details Salon Spa (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) – 4993 Niagara Ave. Ste. 205.